2026 Altay Fuhai Koktokay 5 Day Short Trip Group Tour Around the Lake, Canyon, and Wetland Leisure Small Group Cost Online Registration Recommended Itinerary Price
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang:2026 Altay Fuhai Koktokay 5-Day In-Depth Experience Tour
[Itinerary Highlights:An Ecological Tapestry of Nature and Culture]
The winter in northern Xinjiang has not yet fully receded, and early spring in 2026 has quietly draped the Altay region in fresh greenery. This 5-day short tour focuses on ‘lakeside, canyon, and wetland’ experiences, connecting the vast expanse of Fuhai’s Ulungur Lake, the rugged beauty of Koktokay Geopark, and the surrounding pristine wetland landscapes that have not been overdeveloped. The itinerary avoids the crowded routes of traditional tour groups, adopting a small group format of no more than 12 people, accompanied by a professional ecological guide to take you deep into the ecological diversity of northern Xinjiang.
Ulungur Lake:As the second-largest inland lake in Xinjiang, by 2026, a well-developed lakeside trail and birdwatching platform will have been established here. Spring is the peak season for migratory birds, with dozens of species such as white swans and grey cranes inhabiting the area. The shimmering lake surface contrasts beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains.
Koktokay Geopark: Famous as the ‘World Geological and Mineral Museum,’ an interactive geological science exhibition hall will have been added in 2026. Visitors can touch metamorphic rock specimens dating back 300 million years or use VR equipment to relive the history of mining operations. In spring, the canyon is filled with the gentle murmur of streams, and the birch forests sprout new buds, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Hidden Wetland: The itinerary includes a special visit to an unnamed wetland near Fuhai County (entry requires a guide). This area retains the primitive ecosystem of the Tarim River’s terminal lakes. In spring, the reeds turn green, wild ducks flock together, and occasionally, red deer can be seen drinking water. The guide will explain the wetland’s role in regulating regional climate and instruct visitors on using professional equipment to observe birds.
[Simple Itinerary:An Immersive Experience with Flexible Changes]
Day 1:Urumqi Assembly → Fuhai County (5-hour drive)
Morning:Pick-up at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and travel to Fuhai County in a comfortable business vehicle. Stop at the Karamay百里油田 (Baili Oilfield) viewing platform along the way to overlook the clusters of pumping units in the ‘black ocean.’
Explore the Hidden Gems of Northern Xinjiang: 2026 Altay Fuhai Koktokay 5-Day In-Depth Experience TourAfternoon:Upon arrival in Fuhai, check into a local characteristic homestay (newly renovated in 2026, combining traditional yurts elements from various ethnic groups with modern facilities). In the evening, head to the Ulungur Lake Golden Coast to experience entertainment such as sandboarding and beach buggies (at your own expense).
Dinner:Savor a feast of naturally grown cold-water fish from Ulungur Lake, featuring specialties like ‘Wudaohui’ and ‘Qiaoertai.’
Day 2:Full-Day In-Depth Tour of Ulungur Lake
Morning:Take a boat tour of Ulungur Lake (new electric eco-friendly boats added in 2026, with a journey of about 1.5 hours). Land at the ‘Sea Devil City’ Yardang landform area to photograph the奇特 (unique) rocks and reflections along the lakeshore.
Afternoon:Enjoy a lakeside self-drive tour (off-road vehicles provided by the group), searching for hidden birdwatching spots under the guide’s leadership and using telescopes to observe rare birds.
Evening:Return to the homestay for a home visit with local families, learning to make奶疙瘩 (kurut, a type of dried cheese) and experiencing dombra playing and singing.
Day 3:Fuhai → Koktokay (3-hour drive)
Morning:Travel along the edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert, observing the unique spring ephemeral plant communities (such as Salsola collina and Erysimum cheiranthoides).
Afternoon:Arrive at Koktokay Geopark and visit the No. 3 Mine Site ruins (a new light show added in 2026 to recreate the miners’ working scenes). Take a shuttle bus to tour the Irtysh Grand Canyon.
Dinner:Dine at the ‘Meritorious Restaurant’ within the scenic area, enjoying Kazakh hand-grabbed meat and wild vegetable dumplings.
[Itinerary Highlights: An Ecological Tapestry of Nature and Culture]Day 4:Koktokay → Hidden Wetland (1.5-hour drive)
Morning:Follow an ecological guide on a hike into the wetland core area (approximately 5 kilometers total, with gentle terrain), learning to use professional equipment to record flora and fauna data.
Afternoon:Return to Koktokay Town and visit the Geological Exhibition Hall to simulate earthquake experiences through interactive screens.
Evening:Free time for activities, with recommendations to purchase gem paintings and blackcurrant jam as souvenirs in town.
Day 5:Koktokay → Urumqi (6-hour return drive)
Morning:Flexible scheduling based on flight times. Choose to return directly from Fuyun County Airport or travel back to Urumqi by car (stopping at the Chakurtu service area to taste baked buns along the way).
Afternoon:Arrive in Urumqi and transfer to the airport, concluding the itinerary.
[Price Information:Transparent Consumption with No Hidden Traps]
Reference Cost for 2026:Adults: 3980 RMB/person onwards, Children: 2680 RMB/person (no bed)
Cost Includes:
The winter in northern Xinjiang has not yet fully receded, and early spring in 2026 has quietly draped the Altay region in fresh greenery. This 5-day short tour focuses on ‘lakeside, canyon, and wetland’ experiences, connecting the vast expanse of Fuhai’s Ulungur Lake, the rugged beauty of Koktokay Geopark, and the surrounding pristine wetland landscapes that have not been overdeveloped. The itinerary avoids the crowded routes of traditional tour groups, adopting a small group format of no more than 12 people, accompanied by a professional ecological guide to take you deep into the ecological diversity of northern Xinjiang.Transportation:Round-trip business vehicle from Urumqi (including fuel and tolls)
Accommodation:4 nights in comfortable local hotels/homestays (including breakfast)
Admission Tickets:Ulungur Lake boat ticket, Koktokay Geopark entrance ticket + shuttle bus
Meals:4 breakfasts + 3 main meals (standard of 50 RMB/person per main meal)
Services:Professional ecological guide, travel insurance
Cost Excludes:
Round-trip major transportation to/from Urumqi
Entertainment projects within Koktokay Scenic Area (such as rafting, helicopter tours)
Personal expenses (single travelers will be coordinated for room-sharing as much as possible; special circumstances require negotiation for additional charges)
Ulungur Lake: As the second-largest inland lake in Xinjiang, by 2026, a well-developed lakeside trail and birdwatching platform will have been established here. Spring is the peak season for migratory birds, with dozens of species such as white swans and grey cranes inhabiting the area. The shimmering lake surface contrasts beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains.Note:Prices may fluctuate based on departure dates. The specific contract confirmed by Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, shall prevail.
[Registration Method:Convenient Online Registration]
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency by filling out an online registration form (providing information such as name, contact details, valid ID number, and special requests). Staff will contact you within 24 hours to confirm itinerary details.
[Cost and Service Information:Equal Rights and Responsibilities for Peace of Mind]
Service Standards:
Provide 24-hour emergency contact services
Each group equipped with a first aid kit and basic medications
Use legally compliant operational vehicles throughout the journey
Commitment to no arranged shopping stops (except for self-operated stores within scenic areas)
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy:
Koktokay Geopark: Famous as the ‘World Geological and Mineral Museum,’ an interactive geological science exhibition hall will have been added in 2026. Visitors can touch metamorphic rock specimens dating back 300 million years or use VR equipment to relive the history of mining operations. In spring, the canyon is filled with the gentle murmur of streams, and the birch forests sprout new buds, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.If the itinerary needs to be changed due to force majeure factors, both parties can agree to change the route or date through consultation
If the traveler cancels the itinerary for personal reasons, the balance will be refunded after deducting the incurred expenses as per the contract
Other Notes:
Activities such as hiking and birdwatching involved in the itinerary will adjust intensity based on the traveler’s physical condition
If a scenic area is temporarily closed or traffic control is implemented, it will be replaced with a scenic spot of the same grade
The specific service content shall be subject to actual consultation and contracting. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency reserves the final (This sentence is for compliance purposes and not a霸王条款 (overbearing clause))
[Travel Tips]
Equipment Recommendations:Spring in northern Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night. Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and comfortable hiking shoes
Photography Opportunities:Advection fog often occurs at Ulungur Lake in the morning, and the light in Koktokay Canyon is soft in the evening
Respecting Customs:When visiting families of various ethnic groups, avoid stepping on the threshold and accept food with your right hand
This itinerary will take you away from the crowds, allowing you to understand the ecological secrets of northern Xinjiang in 5 days with the company of a professional guide. Whether you are a geology enthusiast, photography fan, or a family seeking tranquility, you can find your own感动 (moving moments) here. Immediately contact Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, to start your journey to the hidden gems of northern Xinjiang!
Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quotation
